Annual ‘Black Family Reunion’ event kicks off in Cincinnati

CINCINNATI (AP) — A yearly event that aims to promote the strengths, traditions, values and coping skills of black families is kicking off in southwest Ohio.

The 28th annual Midwest Black Family Reunion runs Friday through Sunday at several locations in the Cincinnati area. The event will feature religious speakers, food, music and games as well as free health screenings that address race-based disparities.

The Cincinnati Enquirer (http://cin.ci/2bLrwAJ ) reports the festival also aims to dispel negative myths and stereotypes about the demise of the black family.

The Cincinnati event is the nation’s longest-running Black Family Reunion.

Rockford, Illinois, is the only other city in the U.S. that still holds the Black Family Reunion.